HelpAge Sri Lanka (HASL), a charitable non-governmental organization, last week announced the completion of 50,000 free cataract surgeries at the HelpAge Eye Hospital, marking a significant milestone in its mission to provide essential eye care to the disadvantaged elderly.
Established in 1986, HASL has been a beacon of light in the lives of the disadvantaged senior citizens, offering a comprehensive range of services including health, mental, social, and economic livelihood support.
To celebrate this milestone achievement, a special event was held at the HelpAge Eye Hospital in Wellawatte, the only charitable facility of its kind in Sri Lanka on July 26. The event featured Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, as the chief guest, alongside Ministry Secretary Palitha Mahipala, former Health Secretary Dr. Amal Harsha de Silva, HASL Council Members, donors, beneficiaries, and hospital staff.
During the event, Minister Pathirana unveiled a commemorative plaque and lauded HelpAge for its unwavering dedication to elderly care without relying on government assistance. “Sri Lanka has one of the highest proportions of elderly populations in the world, and addressing their health needs, particularly vision restoration, is crucial. HelpAge Sri Lanka’s efforts in providing free cataract surgeries are commendable and vital in preventing avoidable blindness,” he said.
He also highlighted the broader context of the elderly population in Sri Lanka, stating, “Since 1990, the country has faced significant challenges with its aging population, including high rates of mental and emotional distress, suicide, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer. It is truly commendable that organizations like HelpAge have stepped in to elevate the lives of the elderly. HelpAge’s work in health, mental, social, and economic well-being, particularly in vision impairments, deserves high appreciation.”
HASL Chairman, Deshabandu Tilak de Zoysa, remarked, “The completion of over 50,000 cataract surgeries is not just a numerical milestone; it signifies the restoration of independence and dignity to countless elderly individuals. Our dedicated Eye Hospital team, led by Consultant Eye Surgeon Dr. Jayantha Vidanapathirana, has been instrumental in this success.”
He also expressed gratitude to the donors, particularly the late Mr. Damascene Perera, who donated the land for the hospital, and HelpAge International UK, represented by Richard Blewitt, the Chief Executive Officer, for their foundational support. Additionally, he acknowledged Council Member Dr. Champa Banagala, who was entrusted with the sole responsibility of overseeing the activities of the hospital.
Dr. Banagala said Sri Lanka, a signatory to WHO’s Vision 2020 since 2000, prioritized preventing blindness due to cataracts. Under the leadership of Chairperson Mr. H.P. Gunarathne and Executive Director Mr. Wijewantha, HelpAge proposed the establishment of an eye hospital. This vision became reality with the opening of Akshika Dr. Soysa Eye Hospital in Nugegoda on September 18, 2002. Over 7,000 free cataract surgeries were performed before relocating to the current Hospital at Sinsapa Road, Wellawatte, under the guidance of current Chairman Desamanya Tilak de Zoysa and Executive Director Mr. Liyanawaduge.
She said that the successful introduction of phacoemulsification surgery, a sutureless cataract surgery technique, at the HelpAge Eye Hospital has achieved WHO-expected outcomes with low complication rates.
Despite many Sri Lankans avoiding eye care due to poverty, HelpAge Sri Lanka’s mobile service program now reaches remote areas, screening patients and providing necessary cataract surgeries. “An MOU with the Ministry of Health, along with support from the College of Ophthalmologists, facilitates these operations in their hospitals,” said Dr. Banagala. She added that all of these initiatives are funded by HelpAge Sri Lanka.
Executive Director of HASL, Samantha Liyanawaduge, highlighted the critical role of donor contributions in reaching this milestone. “The generosity of our donors and sponsors has been pivotal in achieving our goals. Your support has enabled us to make a profound impact on the lives of senior citizens in need,” he stated.
Special certificates of appreciation were also presented to both past and current doctors, as well as the entire hospital team, in recognition of their exceptional service. Additionally, certificates and cash awards were given to acknowledge their dedicated contributions. For more information, please contact: (Tharika Goonathilake 077 313280 or tharika@helpage.lk Web www.helpage.org)
The event was organized by the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, and the Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs.
During the ceremony, ThaiPongal rituals were performed under the patronage of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs. The celebration was enriched with a range of vibrant cultural performances of Hindu culture and traditions.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Environment Minister Dammika Patabedi said yesterday he had ordered an inquiry into the withdrawal of China-based Amber Adventures (Private) Ltd., from the Ambuluwawa Cable Car Project.Addressing the media, the Minister said the Environment Ministry had no direct agreement with the company, as the project was under the purview of the Board of Investment (BOI).
He said construction activities within the Ambuluwawa Environmental Zone had been suspended following complaints from environmental organisations in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. All constructions in high-risk areas, he said, had been halted pending clearance by the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO).
According to the Minister, complaints had been received that construction at Ambuluwawa was continuing without NBRO clearance.
In response, the Ministry instructed the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) to conduct an investigation and thereafter construction activities were suspended pending a technical assessment by experts.
The Ministry of Environment subsequently ordered the immediate suspension of all construction activities within the Ambuluwawa Environmental Zone until the assessment was completed, he said, adding that work could resume if expert evaluations cleared the project.
Following the suspension, Amber Adventures (Private) Ltd,, described as the country’s first cable car venture, formally withdrew from the project, citing what it termed “regulatory obstruction and arbitrary state action.”
The company, a major Chinese investor in the project, proposed as Sri Lanka’s first cable car initiative with both Chinese and American investment, officially informed the BOI of its decision on Wednesday (14). In a letter to the BOI, the company said it had obtained all required permits and approvals in line with BOI procedures but faced repeated disruptions that resulted in significant financial losses.
Company Director Yuan Yuping warned that legal action would be pursued at the International Court of Arbitration to recover losses incurred due to the suspension of the project, citing continuous interruptions and government decisions as the cause.
Meanwhile, the Ambuluwawa Trust Board said the withdrawal of investors from the project was a major loss to the country, noting that it was regrettable that decisions had been taken without proper investigation, based on allegations by parties lacking a clear understanding of the facts.
It warned that halting a large-scale project of that nature would result in the loss of direct and indirect employment opportunities, as well as income sources for communities in the surrounding areas.
By Chaminda Silva and SK Samaranayake ✍️
Balangoda Kassapa Thero, held in Trincomalee remand prison over alleged violations of the Coastal Conservation Act, reportedly refused meals yesterday (15).
Prison authorities, however, said it could not be confirmed whether the monk’s action amounted to a hunger strike. Prison Media Spokesperson A. C. Gajanayake added that an official statement on the matter would be issued today (16).
The monk and eight others were remanded until 19 Jan by the Trincomalee Magistrate’s Court over allegations of unauthorised construction of a shelter to place a Buddha statue at the Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Bodhiraj Viharaya. Prison sources said Thero had also declined food brought from outside.
The case follows reports to the court by the Trincomalee Harbour Police that unauthorised constructions had been carried out, despite instructions from the Court of Appeal to resolve the dispute peacefully.
by Chaminda Silva ✍️
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